Lauded UK-bred singer Diane Charlemagne — best known as the vocalist of Eurodance outfit Urban Cookie Collective, as well as a collaborator of fellow Brit and electronic luminary Goldie — has passed away at the age of 51 following a battle with cancer, it has been reported.
As The Guardian notes, Charlemagne achieved wide recognition for her work with Urban Cookie Collective, for whom she provided vocals on several early hits (including 1993's #2 single The Key, The Secret) before beginning to co-write tracks and, consequently, assume a more central role with the band. Her high-profile guest work on Goldie's 1994 hit Inner City Life (and, to a lesser extent, his 1997 cut Kemistry) further cemented her as a vocal force with which to be reckoned across the contemporary D&B, jazz, dance and pop oeuvres. She also spent some time touring with Moby's live band.
The news of Charlemagne's passing was confirmed by representatives at Blue Soap Music PR, who said of the acclaimed performer: "I'm very sorry to have to announce the death of Diane Charlemagne. Diane passed away this afternoon [28 October] surrounded by her family after losing her brave battle with cancer."
On social media, Goldie expressed his lament over the loss of his collaborator and friend.
So she went into the early morning ...God rest her soul #diane what a gifted voice .
— THE ALCHEMIST (@MRGOLDIE) October 28, 2015
I cant thank you enough for what you contributed and we will carry on your legacy, your voice became the... https://t.co/Ms6wxXm3NP
— THE ALCHEMIST (@MRGOLDIE) October 28, 2015
Just come out of #bikram #mourning ...and finding a place of peace inside myself of how much light that woman bought to my music
— THE ALCHEMIST (@MRGOLDIE) October 28, 2015
R:I:P DIANE Charlamangne. Love to her family ..#blessed
— THE ALCHEMIST (@MRGOLDIE) October 28, 2015
In a bittersweet note, Blue Soap Music explained that Charlemagne's final album, It's In Your Eyes — featuring Andy Rourke of The Smiths and remixed by Youth — will still see release next month, with proceeds from sales being donated to Charlemagne's family once it's out in the world from Friday 20 November.
